U.S. Antarctic Environmental Stewardship

Protection of the environment is a high priority for the Antarctic Treaty System, and therefore the U.S. Government. NSF produces and disseminates information to educate U.S. Antarctic Program participants (USAP) about their environmental protection responsibilities and the penalties for noncompliance. Audiences include USAP participants and nongovernmental entities such as tourists, tour operators, and adventurers.

The Treaty protects native Antarctic wildlife and habitats, and has set aside Antarctic Specially Protected Areas for conservation and scientific purposes. To work on these protected organisms and areas, scientists must apply for permits from their home country. For more, check out the Antarctic Conservation Act and Permits site. Special regulations exist for meteorite collection. For more, check out the U.S. Regulations Governing Antarctic Meteorites.

All activities within the U.S. Antarctic Program undergo environmental review, must comply with Treaty mandated Antarctic environmental standards, and are reported on to the Treaty at large. For more, check out the U.S. Antarctic Environmental Documents List.